About ANAM

Transforming Lives Through Music

The Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to unlocking potential and restoring hope through the transformative power of music and education. We believe that every child deserves access to opportunity, creative expression, and a strong sense of community—regardless of income or background.

Our Story

Restoring Hope Through Music

Liberia entered the new millennium carrying the scars of two brutal civil wars that spanned over 15 years and claimed the lives of an estimated 250,000 people.

These conflicts devastated every facet of the nation—destroying infrastructure, collapsing institutions, and displacing thousands. A mass exodus of professionals left the country with an acute shortage of skilled labor, creating a profound and lasting brain drain. The cultural sector, especially the arts, suffered immensely. The vibrant traditions of music, storytelling, and performance that once unified communities were silenced or reduced to fragments.

Nowhere was this more evident than in the realm of music. Once a vital part of Liberia’s identity, music education and performance became virtually nonexistent. Liberia’s rich musical heritage—passed down orally for generations—was at risk of being lost forever.

The few remaining artists were largely self-taught, untrained, and without the resources to rebuild what had been destroyed. In the wake of trauma, the need for healing and cultural restoration was urgent.

It was in this landscape that the vision for the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM) was born.

The vision came from Samson Tarpeh, a survivor of Liberia’s civil war, who lost close family members and experienced personal devastation during the conflict. In search of healing, his father took him to the First Baptist Church in Caldwell, New Georgia, where Samson joined the music ministry. It was there—among hymns, piano keys, and the embrace of a loving community—that he found not just recovery, but renewal. Music became his path to healing, discipline, self-confidence, and ultimately, faith. It was through this experience that he came to accept Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.

Samson’s story is not an isolated one. His transformation through music inspired a calling: to ensure that other young Liberians—especially those emerging from war, poverty, and hardship—could have access to the same life-giving opportunities that changed his life. He envisioned a school that would not only preserve Liberia’s musical heritage but would also nurture the next generation of musicians, educators, and leaders.

In June 2008, that vision took form as the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM), co-founded by Samson Tarpeh, Alexander J. Brooks, Hassan Sankary, and Owens Freeman. ANAM was launched later that year on November 29, 2008, with a Grand Musical Concert at the Centennial Memorial Pavilion in Monrovia—a symbolic moment of cultural revival and hope.

Since then, ANAM has grown into a beacon of healing, creativity, and opportunity. It provides high-quality, affordable music education to children, teens, and adults, integrating instruction in music with literacy support, leadership training, and personal development. By doing so, ANAM continues to write a new chapter in Liberia’s story—one where the sound of music once again fills homes, churches, and communities, reminding us all of the power of art to restore, unite, and transform.

Our Mission

Transform lives and strengthen communities by providing free and affordable, high-quality music education in a nurturing, Christian-based environment. We enrich our programs with integrated literacy support, homework help, and life skills. We empower young people through leadership development, academic support, and cultural expression that celebrates Liberia’s rich artistic heritage.

Since our founding in 2008, we’ve been equipping children, youth, and young adults—especially those from underserved communities—with skills in music performance, theory, and leadership. We also address literacy gaps and promote girls’ empowerment through targeted, holistic programs.

Grounded in Christian values, we combine instrumental and vocal training with community engagement and holistic education. Our mission is to develop creative, confident, and compassionate leaders who use the power of music and education to promote healing, preserve culture, and contribute to Liberia’s rebuilding.

Our Objectives

1.
Provide High-Quality Music Education

To offer accessible, free, and affordable music instruction in theory, instrumental and vocal performance, ensemble participation, and culturally rooted musical traditions.

2.
Integrate Holistic Youth Development Programs

To incorporate literacy support, homework assistance, and life skills training into the core music curriculum to support the academic and personal growth of all students.

3.
Foster Leadership & Empowerment

To develop leadership potential in children and youth—especially girls—through mentorship, leadership training, and character-building activities that promote self-confidence and community engagement.

4.
Uphold & Model Christian Values

To operate all programs in a Christ-centered environment, where students are encouraged to grow in integrity, compassion, service, and faith—reflecting Christian values in both learning and leadership.

5.
Expand Access to Underserved Communities

To identify and enroll students from underserved communities, ensuring equitable access to arts education and support services.

6.
Build Sustainable Community Impact

To train students not only as musicians but as agents of positive change—prepared to give back through church, school, and community leadership rooted in service and faith.

Our Team

Board of Directors

George T. Wilson III

Chair  
Senior Executive Assistant 
Office of the President,
University of Liberia

Dr. Athi Msutu

Founder & Managing Director,
AMQ Advisory Certified Director, Institute of Directors South Africa

Eudene Cooper

Advisory Council Member 
Episcopal Women of Liberia 
Episcopal Church of Liberia

Samson S. Tarpeh

Executive Director 
Minister of Music
Winder First United Methodist Church

Leadership and Administrative Team

Samson S. Tarpeh

Executive Director

Samson S. Tarpeh is the Executive Director of the Agape National Academy of Music (ANAM), leading organizational strategy, programs, partnerships, and fundraising to expand access to music education in underserved communities. With over a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, church music ministry, and community-based education, he bridges ANAM Liberia and ANAM Georgia, combining musical excellence with a commitment to mission alignment, sustainability, and community development.

Relevant Background

M.S. in Community and Leadership Development,
University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 
B.A. in Music (Piano Performance),
Campbellsville University, Campbellsville, KY 
B.S. in Public Administration,
African Methodist Episcopal University, Monrovia, Liberia.

Current Roles

Minister of Music, Winder First United Methodist Church, Winder, Georgia
Accompanist, University of Liberia Alumni Chorus, USA

Professional Affiliations

Music Teachers National Association (Georgia Chapter) 
American Guild of Organists (Atlanta Chapter) 
The Hymn Society in the United States and Canada 
National Association of Negro Musicians (Metropolitan Atlanta Musicians Association Chapter) 
American Choral Directors Association (ACDA)

Naomi Kamara

Adm. Finance Assistant

Naomi Kamara serves as the Administrative Finance Assistant at ANAM, where she manages day-to-day customer service, financial transactions, and recordkeeping. Her attention to detail and commitment to organizational integrity contribute significantly to the financial accountability and administrative efficiency of ANAM Liberia.

Relevant Background

B.Sc. in Accounting, Adventist University of West Africa, Liberia 
Certificate in Protocol and Etiquette, Ali Sylla Lecture Series
Certificate in Networking, Heart 2 Save Network Online Training

David Adetunji

Adm. Program Assistance

Coordinates the daily operations and implementation of all music and educational programs. Supervises program schedules, teacher assignments, and curriculum rollouts. Works closely with the Executive Director to set program goals, track outcomes, and ensure quality.

Relevant Background

BSc. Industrial Chemistry, University of Ilorin.
Professional Certification, Digital Marketing.
Professional Certification, Human Resources Management, DEXA.
Professional Certification, Virtual Assistant, ALX.
Professional Certification, Executive Assistant, Salas Staffing Solutions